Biology

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

Department of Biology
Hensill Hall 534
415-338-1548
Web Site: http://biology.sfsu.edu
Chair: Michael A. Goldman

Graduate Coordinator: Robert Patterson

Graduate advisers:
Cell and Molecular Biology/Microbiology—D. Chu
Conservation Biology/Ecology and Systematic Biology—R. Patterson
Marine Biology—F. Wilkerson
Physiology and Behavioral Biology—M. Fuse
Biomedical Science—L. Chen

Faculty

Professors—Bayliss, Blackwood, Breckler, Burrus, Carpenter, Connor, Desjardin, Domingo, Goldman, Hafernik, He, Márquez-Magaña, Parker, Patterson, Ramirez, Romeo, Rothman, Routman, Spicer, S. Williams

Associate Professors—Boyer, L. Chen, Chu, Cohen, Denetclaw, Fuse, LeBuhn, Moffatt, Pasion, Weinstein

Assistant Professors—J. Chen, Crow-Sanchez, de la Torre, Engelbrecht, Riggs, Sehgal, Smith, Stillman, Tanner, Vrendenburg, Zink

Research Associate Professor—Cipriano

California Academy of Sciences Research Professors—Almeda, Burke, Daniel, Drewes, Dumbacher, Fisher, Fritsch, Gosliner, Griswold, Kavanaugh, Leviton, McCosker, Mooi, Roopnarine, Steiner, Tang, Van Syoc, G. Williams

Research Scientists, Romberg Tiburon Center—Cochlan, Dugdale, Kimmerer, Wilkerson

Programs

B.A. in Biology, General
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Botany
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Ecology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology and Limnology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Physiology
B.S. in Biology: Concentration in Zoology
Minor in General Biology
Certificate in Biotechnology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Conservation Biology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology
M.S. in Biology: Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology
M.S. in Biomedical Science: Concentration in Biotechnology
M.S. in Biomedical Science: Concentration in Stem Cell Science
Certificate in Genetic Engineering

Program Scope

The Department of Biology provides undergraduate and graduate programs covering the breadth of biology. Course work ranges from introductory biology to specialized courses in disciplines of modern biology. The department has grouped courses into "concentrations" to help advise students of appropriate programs of study in various biology disciplines. Each concentration provides breadth of background in basic biological concepts as well as depth in the specific discipline. Students should consult with an adviser early in their program of study to design an individualized program within the concentration of interest. Lists of advisers are available from the Biology Department office and web site, http://biology.sfsu.edu.

Students are responsible for information posted at the department web site (http://biology.sfsu.edu) and in a weekly e-mail bulletin, which declared majors will receive, as well as for complying with University, College and Department requirements.

The department sponsors the Master of Science in Biology with concentrations in cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, ecology and systematic biology, marine biology, microbiology, and physiology and behavioral biology. These graduate degree programs provide advanced course work, seminar experiences, and require original research and a written thesis. The department also offers an internship-based science master’s degree option in Master of Science in Biomedical Science with concentrations in biotechnology and stem cell science to prepare graduates for diverse professional careers. Thus, the master’s degrees in Biology provide substantial educational depth and training, giving the student a sound foundation for employment or for study in doctoral programs.

Faculty and student research is supported by a new state-of-the-art SF State Greenhouse, the Harry D. Thiers Herbarium, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGLab), and the Cell and Molecular Imaging Center (CMIC).

Collaborative Programs with the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies
and the California Academy of Sciences.

Opportunities for graduate and undergraduate study in Marine Biology are enhanced by the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies (RTC), SF State’s marine and estuarine field station situated on San Francisco Bay in Marin County. RTC faculty and research scientists offer courses in the marine biology programs and supervise graduate student research and undergraduate independent study projects.

The Department of Biology and the California Academy of Sciences have instituted a program that builds on the complementary strengths of each institution to address the national and international imperative to train a new generation of biologists in systematics, ecology, and conservation biology. Curators of the California Academy of Sciences who have joined the Department of Biology as research professors contribute to the teaching program, offer seminars and other courses at the California Academy of Sciences and supervise graduate student research.

Career Outlook

This is an exciting time for graduates with degrees in biology. New breakthroughs in understanding living systems are leading to the development of new career opportunities at a rapid rate. In this regard, the undergraduate degrees can open the door to excellent career opportunities in industry, health care, public agencies, secondary school teaching, academia, and many other areas. Many graduates enter careers in the biotechnology industry, in the health professions, and environmental and conservation biology. High level positions in industry and academia commonly require advanced graduate work. The bachelor of science degrees are designed to give students the training they need to enter doctoral or master's programs in biology and related disciplines. Each year many San Francisco State biology graduates are accepted into the top doctoral programs in the country. SF State's biology programs also have a strong record of placing students in medical and dental schools.

The Bay Area is one of the world's largest centers for the biotechnology industry. The majors in cell and molecular biology and microbiology and the certificate programs in genetic engineering (graduate) and biotechnology (undergraduate) emphasize the latest science of bioinformatics, genomes, transcriptomics and proteomics, and cutting edge technologies such as microarray analysis. Many companies actively recruit SF State students for positions or internships, and SF State graduates are well represented in many prominent biotechnology companies. Employment opportunities vary from manufacturing to technical research support to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals research management.

Graduates of the M.S. in Biomedical Science program, with advanced inter-disciplinal science education, internship experience and workplace skills training, tend to be employed in biomedical institutes, biotechnology industries, business corporations, government and non-profit organizations or continue to other advanced degrees. Consequently, the long term career outlook for professional science master's graduates is excellent.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN BIOLOGY

General Information

All major course work must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable) and a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all course work applicable to the major. In order to remain enrolled in a biology course, students must be prepared to provide copies of transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or better. Candidates entering the bachelor's programs in biology should have completed three years of high school mathematics and one year of high school chemistry to allow completion of the curriculum in normal time (see Undergraduate Admission Requirements). At least 12 units in biology must be completed at San Francisco State University. Early in the first semester, and at regular intervals thereafter, students must consult with an adviser to plan a program of study. For the most current advising information, consult the SF State Biology home page at http://biology.sfsu.edu.

The department does not permit multiple concentrations within the biology degree program. All of the curricula require preliminary work in physics and chemistry because many important biological concepts are based squarely upon principles in the physical sciences. Also, each curriculum includes upper division work in the most fundamental and well-developed segments of biological knowledge so that students who select a concentration also are assured of receiving background of reasonable breadth. Because of the sequential arrangement of courses that is intrinsic to any science curriculum, students are urged to consult descriptions for the prerequisites of courses in which they expect to enroll. Students planning professional careers in biology should become proficient in mathematics through calculus and in English.

The Department of Biology is formally affiliated with the California Academy of Sciences. The facilities and collections of the academy are available for selected students pursuing research in the biological sciences. The Sierra Nevada Field Campus near Sierra City and the Romberg Tiburon Center in Marin County, components of the University, and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories operated by a consortium of the California State University are also accessible for class and research use.

Although course electives are listed for most of the majors, new electives are always being added to various programs. Therefore, we highly recommend that students seek advisement prior to enrolling in elective courses in their major.

Bachelor of Arts in General Biology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

The curriculum in general biology provides students with exposure to a broad spectrum of biological sciences including genetics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, organismal and evolutionary biology. Since basic principles of physical science are central to many biological concepts, course work in physics and chemistry is included in the lower division requirements. The B.A. program is suited for students preparing for professional schools, including teacher credentialing programs, or careers that require students to be versed in diverse areas of biology.

Students preparing to become teachers should note that additional science preparation beyond the major is required; (geosciences breadth: meterology, astronomy, geology and oceanography), thus, it is important to consult early and often with a credential adviser in the Biology Department to plan the major and keep abreast of any state mandated changes in requirements.

Courses are 3 units unless indicated otherwise. On-line course descriptions are available.

¹ Students planning to earn a teaching credential must take an evolution course and an organismal biology course.

² BIOL 699 Special Study in Biology can be taken to fulfill elective units.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Botany

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

The program provides opportunities for study in ecological, systematic and taxonomic, physiological, morphological, anatomical, molecular, and genetic aspects of botany. Course work in an array of groups is offered, including vascular plants, algae, fungi, mosses, and lichens. Where applicable, field work in courses is emphasized, including instruction at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus and at the Romberg Tiburon Center.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

Fundamental course work in allied sciences and mathematics prepares the student for advanced studies in cell and molecular biology. The program is also recommended for pre-medical students because it includes many of the courses required for admission to medical school. (For more information, see Pre-health Professions.)

^3,1 Students who plan to study for a Ph.D. should complete at least two semesters of calculus and one semester of physical chemistry.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Ecology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

This program offers a flexible but rigorous plan of study in the plant and animal sciences for students interested in ecology, natural history, conservation, and population biology; students interested in entomology, botany, or zoology may also find this concentration appropriate. The program stresses firm foundations in ecological theory, ecological technique, and natural history.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology and Limnology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

Undergraduates may elect a general emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology, marine vertebrate zoology, marine botany, marine microbiology, or limnology. Graduate work may also be general or follow specific strengths such as ecology, evolution and systematics, functional morphology, physiology, behavior, estuarine or freshwater biology. The curriculum and facilities of San Francisco State University are strongly supported by the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

The student may select courses emphasizing general microbiology or medical microbiology. The selection of an appropriate program not only prepares the student for careers in research, industry, public health, clinical laboratory, or state or federal service but also provides the basis for post-graduate study which may lead to the Master of Arts in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Physiology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

This program is designed to provide a firm foundation in physiology. Students interested in vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant physiology will find this concentration appropriate. The program is especially suited for preparation for advanced study at the postgraduate level or to prepare for careers in the health professions. In addition to major curricula in physiology, service courses are provided for nursing, clinical science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and physical therapy majors.

NOTE: Courses may be used only once within the major. No more than one BIOL 699 or BIOL 865 may be used as an elective.

Students interested in pursuing graduate study in physiology should take the one-year organic chemistry sequence (CHEM 233/335) and the one-year biochemistry sequence (CHEM 340/341) in place of CHEM 130 and CHEM 349.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Concentration in Zoology

See the Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology section for general information for all biology students.

This program provides students with a broad background in animal biology through course work in evolutionary biology, ecology, behavior, anatomy, and physiology of both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. It is recommended that a background in both vertebrate and invertebrate biology be obtained through selection of appropriate elective courses.

MINOR IN GENERAL BIOLOGY

The minor requires a minimum of 23 units in biology, of which at least one-half must be upper division units.

All courses in the minor must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not acceptable).

CERTIFICATE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

This 14 to 19unit program is designed to allow students who are pursuing an undergraduate major in biology or biochemistry to learn the theoretical basis, principles, and current applications of biotechnology. An integral part of the program is a supervised internship to be served in a Bay Area biotechnology company laboratory. Laboratory-oriented students will find an expanding demand for their skills upon completion of the program both in the Bay Area and nationwide.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, and be prepared to provide copies of transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisites.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

A student interested in pursuing an advanced degree in any of these programs must meet the general requirements as outlined as well as any additional requirements specified by the major field of study.

For current advising information, including research and funding opportunities, consult the SF State Biology Department home page at http://biology.sfsu.edu.

General Admission Requirements

An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and the equivalent major course work for the program area to which application is made. To evaluate an applicant, the Biology Department requires the following: (1) transcripts of all undergraduate work; (2) Graduate Record Examination scores for the general test; (3) a statement of purpose; (4) two or more letters of recommendation, preferably from science faculty. When the Biology Department Office receives this information, the completed file is forwarded to the faculty coordinator of the program area chosen by the applicant. The faculty in the program area evaluate the applicant’s file and recommend admission or denial based on the following criteria:

• grade point average in the undergraduate major—minimum required GPA in science courses is 2.75,
• statement of purpose,
• GRE scores, and
• letters of recommendation.

In addition to inadequacy in any of the above criteria, denial of admission may also be based on:

• an applicant’s interests are not represented by current faculty, or
• if faculty in the applicant’s area of interest are unable to support additional students.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Each graduate student is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of written English proficiency at two points. Level One: at the beginning of the first semester's enrollment, the student must pass a proctored essay test administered by the department. Level Two: prior to filing the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC), the student must prepare a thesis prospectus, which is read and approved by the student's thesis committee.

Course Requirements

The general requirements of all students are as follows:

• All courses taken by graduate students in biology for use on the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) or to satisfy conditional requirements must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC is not applicable, except for BIOL 898).
• A minimum of 30 units of upper division and/or graduate credit (may include up to 6 units of experimental courses in biology).
• A minimum of 16 units of credit in graduate level courses.
• A minimum of two department seminars requiring student presentations.
• After initiating a research program, a graduate student must enroll each semester in BIOL 897 - until the research is completed.
• 4 units of BIOL 898 Master's Thesis.
• An oral defense of  the thesis research.

On-line course descriptions are available. Most upper division courses in biology are acceptable for the master's in biology upon approval of the graduate adviser. Students are reminded to check the individual concentrations for additional requirements.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

This concentration is designed for students preparing for future graduate work as well as for those wishing to increase their competency in the fields of cell and molecular biology. It emphasizes the study of cells, cell organelles, macromolecules, and the regulation of their production and interaction. As such, it represents an expanding frontier of research that integrates biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, and cell ultrastructure.

The specific course requirements shall be determined by the student's committee and are based upon consideration such as goals, interests, and undergraduate preparation. A strong background in chemistry is highly recommended.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Conservation Biology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

Students can select areas of specialization within the framework of conservation biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization. The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests and needs of each student. The areas of emphasis in the conservation biology program are: conservation, evolution, and population biology of rare and endangered species; ecology of invasive species; management and conservation of natural communities; restoration ecology; applied ecology. For additional details, contact the program graduate coordinator.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

Students completing the Master of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Ecology and Systematic Biology can select areas of specialization within the framework of ecology, systematics, behavior, and evolutionary biology. Every faculty member serves as adviser and major professor for students working on research programs in the faculty member's area of specialization.

The graduate program is tailored by advisement to the interests of each student. The areas of emphasis in this program are: systematics, evolution, population genetics, and behavior of organisms; community, population, reproductive, behavioral, physiological, and evolutionary ecology; taxonomy, biodiversity, and biogeography. For additional details, contact the program graduate coordinator.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

Programs in this area reflect the fact that marine biology is a meeting place for all the biological sciences and some of the physical sciences. Graduate work may be broad or follow specific program areas as ecology, systematics, functional morphology, molecular biology, physiology, evolution, and behavior.

The marine program and facilities of San Francisco State University are strongly supported by the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies (RTC), the marine and estuarine field station of SF State situated on San Francisco Bay in Marin County. RTC's marine/estuarine scientists and oceanographers offer a broad range of courses at both RTC and the main campus. Courses offered by RTC faculty are listed in this Bulletin under Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Geology. In addition, marine science courses are offered at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, a laboratory on Monterey Bay operated by a consortium of California State University campuses. Courses offered at Moss Landing can be found in this Bulletin under Marine Science.

Students in the Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Marine Biology program follow the requirements of the M.S. in Biology with specific coursework selected upon advisement.

For further information contact the program's graduate coordinator. Applicants must have the equivalent of the Bachelor of Science in Biology at San Francisco State University.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Microbiology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

The study of microbes and viruses is central to the fields of microbiology, pathogenesis, immunity, and biomedicine. Microbiology is also important in the study of the biochemical and genetic properties of cells and organisms. The M.S. in Microbiology is flexible. With a program adviser, students may plan a program of courses that will meet their individual goals and academic or professional interests, such as preparation for professional or doctoral programs or for employment. Prior undergraduate preparation will also be considered.

Admission to Program

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in biological or physical sciences, with at least two laboratory courses in microbiology, one year of general physics, one year of general chemistry, and one year of organic chemistry. Acceptance to fully classified status will be determined by departmental evaluation.

The specific course requirements shall be determined by the student’s committee and are based upon consideration such as; goals, interests, and undergraduate preparation. For additional details, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Master of Science in Biology: Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology

See the Master of Science in Biology section above for general information for all biology graduate students.

The Master of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Physiology and Behavioral Biology is a flexible program. With an adviser, the student may plan a program of study to fit his/her particular interests, such as preparation for employment or a Ph.D. program when the Master of Science is required.

Admission to Program

In addition to the baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent, in biological sciences, the program requires that the applicant have the equivalent of one semester of upper division physiology with laboratory, two semesters of college physics, two semesters of general college chemistry, and one semester of organic chemistry.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

Master of Science in Biomedical Science:
Concentration in Biotechnology
 
Master of Science in Biomedical Science:
Concentration in Stem Cell Science

Graduate advisers—L. Chen (Director), Romeo, Smith, Goldman, Domingo, Pasion, J. Chen, Chu, Burrus, Denetclaw

Admission to Program

Students must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or the equivalent, with minimum GPA of 3.0. Transcripts of all undergraduate work, General Aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), statement of study purpose and two letters of recommendation are required for admission. Individuals with related degrees that are working in biomedical research or industry may be admitted.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: can be met with a minimum score of 4.0 on the GRE Analytical Writing Test. Students who do not achieve the cut-off score of 4.0 are required to take SCI 614, Graduate Writing Skills. Level Two: requires approval of a written internship project prospectus by the program director and faculty advisor that supervises the student’s research.

Course descriptions are available online.

CERTIFICATE IN GENETIC ENGINEERING

This 13 unit program is designed to allow students who have completed an undergraduate degree in basic science with a molecular biological emphasis to learn the techniques and principles of genetic engineering by both lecture and laboratory/project experience, balanced with an integrated presentation of both ethical concerns and safety considerations. This program will further prepare students to make transitions into careers in the area of biotechnology or to enter advanced degree programs. Graduate students intending to secure both a master's degree and the certificate may pursue these objectives concurrently with consultation and approval of the graduate degree faculty adviser. All course work used to satisfy the requirements must be taken on an A–F graded basis and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Due to laboratory space limitations, total enrollment in the program will be restricted.

Before being considered for acceptance to this certificate program, the student must first be eligible in accordance with all university requirements as outlined in the section Certificate Programs. This same section also includes university program guidelines and procedures to be followed in filing for the award of the certificate when it is completed.

Admission to the Program

To be admitted to the program an applicant must have completed a baccalaureate degree and must be admitted to classified graduate standing in the university in accordance with standard admissions requirements and procedures. In addition to application procedures specified by the university, applicants must:

1. Submit to the certificate coordinator a copy of transcripts used for the baccalaureate degree, transcripts of other relevant study, and evidence of graduate standing in the university. The following courses from San Francisco State University, or their equivalents, are prerequisites and must be completed before the program is initiated.
1. BIOL 401/402, General Microbiology and Laboratory, or
   BIOL 350/351, Cell Biology and Experiments in Cell Biology and Genetics
2. BIOL 355, Genetics
3. BIOL 357, Molecular Genetics
4. CHEM 340 and 341, Biochemistry I and II, and
   CHEM 343, Biochemistry I Laboratory
2. Submit to the coordinator a letter of application for admission to the certificate program. This letter should include a description of any relevant experience not evident in the transcripts.
3. Make arrangements to have a minimum of two letters of recommendation sent to the coordinator.
4. In addition to the items listed above, the application must include a letter indicating admission to classified status in the graduate program.
5. Applications should be addressed to Genetic Engineering Coordinator, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132.

The specific course requirements shall be determined by the student’s committee and are based upon consideration such as; goals, interests, and undergraduate preparation. For additional details, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Students must demonstrate an appropriate level of writing competency. This shall be accomplished by satisfactory preparation of written laboratory reports in BIOL 744 which demonstrate competency in scientific report writing and analysis of data. The instructor of this course shall determine whether reports have met those criteria and so specify on the Certificate Approved Program form. If the student's work is unsatisfactory, additional course work directed to achieving English competency may be specified after consultation with the coordinator.